Orbital decompression for Graves' orbitopathy in England

A survey of current practices by the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society (BOPSS) and recommendations for delivering a sustainable multidisciplinary approach to thyroid eye disease in the United Kingdom

Background

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Thyroid Eye Disease Amsterdam Declaration Implementation Group (TEAMeD-5) have the common goal of improving access to high quality care for thyroid eye disease (TED). The TEAMeD-5 programme recommends all patients with moderate-to-severe TED should have access to multidisciplinary clinics (MDT)  with combined Ophthalmology and Endocrinology expertise.

Methods

The British Oculoplastic Surgery Society represents oculoplastic surgeons who usually lead TED care in the UK. A two-stage survey of the membership was conducted to ascertain current practice of existing resources.

Results

Seventy percent (45/65) of respondents in Survey 1 were aware of current RCP guidance, but only 49% (22/45) rated it as a good means of improving access to comprehensive TED service. Sixty percent (39/65) of respondents are working in a multidisciplinary TED clinic with co-location of ophthalmologists and endocrinologists. Care for TED appears not to be provided in a multidisciplinary context in up to 31% (20/65). Thirty five (54%) of the respondents rated their relationship with endocrinology colleagues as good. Best practice guidelines recommend routine quality of life assessments but only 6/28 (21%) of respondents use this modality in current practice. Six percent (4/65) of areas appear not to be using intravenous steroids. In many areas (25%, 16/65), second-line immunosuppression is provided in a different trust and in 8% (5/65), it appears not to be used at all.

Conclusion

This survey is a ‘snapshot’ of current TED management in the UK and findings suggest scope for improvement. We recommend a framework for more robust collaboration across specialties and propose standards endorsed by multidisciplinary stakeholder societies.

A British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit (BOSU) study into dysthyroid optic neuropathy in the United Kingdom

This prospective British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit (BOSU) study on dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) determines the incidence, presenting features and management throughout the UK. New cases were identified through the BOSU yellow card and an initial questionnaire and a subsequent 9-month follow-up questionnaire were posted out. From August 2015 to August 2016 DON was reported in 49 patients with 71 eyes affected, 22 patients had bilateral DON. The most common presenting symptom was blurred vision (83%) and the most common examination finding was upgaze restriction (85%). 85% of patients were initially treated with 3 days of either 1 g or 500 mg intravenous methyl prednisolone. We received 25 follow-up questionnaires (51% of the initial cohort) with 38 eyes treated for DON and 13 bilateral cases. The average steroid dose over 9 months was 4.5 g and 47% of patients had a surgical orbital decompression. The mean visual acuity gain after 9 months of follow-up for all patients was 0.25 LogMAR. The mean visual acuity gain after just medical therapy was 0.25 LogMAR and after both medical therapy and orbital decompression it was 0.24 LogMAR. In conclusion, the incidence of DON in the UK from this study is 0.75 per million population per annum. The majority of patients are treated with initial medical therapy and almost half of all patients subsequently went on to have an orbital decompression. With either medical therapy or medical and surgical therapy, vision can improve in patients with DON.

Management of patients with Graves' orbitopathy: initial assessment, management outside specialised centres and referral pathways

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is uncommon, but responsible for considerable morbidity. A coordinated approach between healthcare professionals is required in order to meet the needs of patients. Early diagnosis can be achieved by a simple clinical assessment. Low-cost effective interventions can be initiated by generalists, which may improve outcomes. Moderate-to-severe GO should be referred to specialised centres. Recommendations for clinical diagnosis, initial management and referral pathways are highlighted.

Management plan and delivery of care in Graves' ophthalmopathy patients

Most patients with Graves' orbitopathy have mild disease that requires no or minimal intervention. For the minority of patients with moderate or severe disease, multiple medical and surgical treatments may be required at different stages. It is crucial that such patients are monitored closely and treatments applied with care in the right sequence. Medical treatments should be used as early as possible and only during the active phase of the disease. Rehabilitative surgery is indicated in the inactive phase of the disease and should follow the sequence: surgical decompression followed by eye muscle surgery, followed by lid surgery. Delivery of care in a coordinated fashion that makes use of best available expertise is important and best implemented through a Combined Thyroid Eye clinic.